Tag

Influenza

All articles tagged with #influenza

Moderna’s combo flu-COVID shot shows durable immune response in mid-stage trial
health1 day ago

Moderna’s combo flu-COVID shot shows durable immune response in mid-stage trial

Moderna reported that its experimental mRNA-1073 two-in-one flu and COVID-19 vaccine elicited durable immune responses against matched influenza and SARS-CoV-2 strains for six months in a small 550-participant mid-stage trial, with no serious safety concerns; the briefing also covers ongoing Potomac River contamination concerns after a wastewater spill, a long-term MSU study showing college students rebounded emotionally post-pandemic, and other health news highlights.

CNN Tracks U.S. Flu Surge With CDC-Backed Weekly Maps and Stats
health5 days ago

CNN Tracks U.S. Flu Surge With CDC-Backed Weekly Maps and Stats

CNN reports that this flu season has the highest rate of doctor visits for flu-like illness since CDC surveillance began in 1997, with weekly updates tracking case rates and hospitalizations across states via CDC’s FluView data. The CDC estimates about 8% of the U.S. population gets sick each season, and young children as well as seniors are at higher risk, though data are preliminary and can change as new reports come in.

Wyoming records a flu-related pediatric death in Fremont County amid H3N2 season
health20 days ago

Wyoming records a flu-related pediatric death in Fremont County amid H3N2 season

A Fremont County child has died from flu-related complications in the 2025-2026 season as the H3N2 strain dominates. Nationwide, 52 pediatric flu deaths have been reported, with about 90% of the children not up to date on flu vaccination. Health officials urge updated vaccination, staying home when ill, covering coughs, and handwashing; antiviral meds are recommended for higher-risk groups when started quickly, and flu shots remain widely available.

Why a few people spread flu far: biology, speech, and the air we share
health27 days ago

Why a few people spread flu far: biology, speech, and the air we share

New research shows that flu outbreaks are often driven by a small minority of people whose high viral loads, particle types, and behaviors—like loud speech and heavy breathing—combine with environmental factors (dry air, poor ventilation) to boost transmission. Factors such as stage of infection, lung capacity, mucus properties, and social context determine who becomes a superspreader, suggesting that biology and behavior together shape who—and where—an outbreak escalates.

Kansas wastewater reveals multi-virus surge as flu season begins
health1 month ago

Kansas wastewater reveals multi-virus surge as flu season begins

Lawrence’s wastewater tests show high levels of six viruses—COVID-19, influenza A and B, RSV, human metapneumovirus, and norovirus—over the past three weeks, signaling community circulation during peak flu season; wastewater data reflects viral spread rather than exact case counts, with an earlier influenza B peak and a rising COVID Stratus/XFG variant (82.5% of positives, up 25%), and Salina reporting medium concentrations for these illnesses as well; health officials urge vaccination, masking at some clinics, and staying home when sick to curb spread.

Six Viruses Detected at High Levels in Lawrence Wastewater Amid Flu Surge
health1 month ago

Six Viruses Detected at High Levels in Lawrence Wastewater Amid Flu Surge

Lawrence wastewater shows high levels of six viruses—COVID-19, influenza A and B, RSV, human metapneumovirus, and norovirus—over the past three weeks, signaling rising community circulation during peak flu season. Wastewater reflects virus presence rather than exact case counts, and the Stratus (XFG) COVID variant now accounts for about 82% of positive samples, with influenza B peaking earlier in the season.

Washington Health Officials Warn of Flu Surge as Thurston County Reports First Related Death
health1 month ago

Washington Health Officials Warn of Flu Surge as Thurston County Reports First Related Death

Thurston County reports its first influenza-related death as Washington state sees a sharp rise in flu activity, with 39 statewide deaths so far in the 2025–26 season. Officials note most flu cases are mild but highlight higher risk for young children, seniors, pregnant people, and those with certain conditions, and urge vaccination, staying home when sick, good hygiene, masks in crowded or poorly ventilated settings, and other preventive measures; influenza A is currently the most common strain, and a public dashboard tracks local influenza activity.

Canada’s vaccine uptake puzzle: mixed messages and access under winter hospital strain
health1 month ago

Canada’s vaccine uptake puzzle: mixed messages and access under winter hospital strain

Researchers find falling seasonal vaccination rates in Canada driven by conflicting federal/provincial messaging and skepticism about vaccine effectiveness, contributing to overwhelmed emergency rooms. The piece argues for clear, consistent public health messaging and free, easy access to vaccines early in the season to protect at‑risk groups and reduce hospital strain.

Ventilation Takes the Lead in Breakthrough Flu Transmission Study
science1 month ago

Ventilation Takes the Lead in Breakthrough Flu Transmission Study

A hotel-based, two-group clinical trial exposed healthy volunteers to roommates with influenza to study real-world transmission. Despite close contact and shared items, none of the healthy participants became ill, suggesting that coughing and air movement play larger roles in spreading flu than proximity alone. The study found that rapid air mixing and ventilation dilutes airborne virus, while coughing elevates exposure. Age may also influence susceptibility. Practical implications include using portable air purifiers and wearing N95 masks when near coughing individuals; researchers aim to quantify transmission under various conditions in future work.

Flu Season Surges Across States as Cases and Hospitalizations Climb
health1 month ago

Flu Season Surges Across States as Cases and Hospitalizations Climb

The U.S. is in a severe flu season, with flu-related doctor visits and hospitalizations rising in many states. CDC data show roughly 15 million cases so far this season, up from about 9.1 million at the same point last year, with high activity across more than half the country. Experts say the trend may worsen before it improves, as peaks typically occur in February and may be affected by a mismatch between the circulating strain and the vaccine. Vaccination remains the best protection, and testing and precautions are advised for those who are sick.